Belum Caves
An extensive underground limestone cave system on the Deccan, among the longest in the country.
About
Belum is a limestone cave system running for kilometres beneath flat farmland, formed by an underground watercourse. A section has been developed for visitors, with lit walkways leading past stalactite formations, chambers of varying height and a deep point where the passage narrows. Unlike hill caves, the entrance is a modest opening in level ground, which makes the scale underground genuinely surprising. Air inside is warm and still, and the developed route involves a good deal of stooping and stair climbing.
Worth your time
- The developed cave route and its formations
- The deepest accessible chamber
- Above ground, the surrounding Deccan landscape
The route underground is more physical than most visitors expect — low headroom in places, steady stair work, and warm still air. Anyone uneasy in confined spaces should plan for that rather than discover it partway in.
Lighting and ventilation arrangements have changed over the years, so check the current visiting arrangements before travelling.
Temples in the same region
Boat services, permits, entry fees and road access change with the season and at short notice. Check anything your plan depends on before setting out.